mystery notes

mystery

something secret or unknown that appeals to one’s curiosity

Sleuth

a detective

Alibi

A claim or evidence that someone was elsewhere during a crime, therefore suggesting innocence

Red Herring

A clue to mislead or distract the reader/audience

Chekhov’s Gun

The concept that elements and objects put in a story must have a purpose

S

Smart detective

A

Assistant of lesser intelligence

M

Many Misleading and helpful clues

G

Detective gathers clues and suspects

Cozy

The cozy, typified by Agatha Christie, contains a bloodless crime and a victim who won't be missed. The solution can be determined using emotional or logical reasoning.

Amateur Sleuth

Tries to solve the murder of someone close. Either the police have tried and failed or misread the murder as an accident/suicide. Both the loss and need for a solution is personal.

Caper

A comic crime story. Instead of suave and calculating, it chronicles the efforts of the lovable bungler who either thinks big or ridiculously small.

Hardboiled P.I.

is invariably a loner working for justice in a corrupt world.

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

Otherworldly elements

Noir

a mood: gritty, bleak, and unforgiving

C

Cop who is not as effective or as smart as the detective